Crib shield system and other breathable apparatus

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and method for making same utilizing a breathable mesh material having a reduced suffocation resistance level for infant and toddler use. The breathable mesh material includes an inner and outer fabric that includes larger openings on the front substructure than on the back substructure and a pile substructure is integrated and extends between the front and back substructures allowing air to substantially move effectively therethrough.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/238,878, filed on Sep. 21, 2011, entitled “Crib Shield System andOther Breathable Apparatus,” which is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/429,734, filed on Apr. 24, 2009, now U.S.Pat. No. 8,220,088 issued on Jul. 17, 2012, entitled “Crib Shield Systemand Other Breathable Apparatus,” which is a Divisional of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/446,017, filed Jun. 2, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No.7,523,513 issued on Apr. 28, 2009, entitled “Crib Shield System andOther Breathable Apparatus”, which is a Continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/738,616, filed Dec. 16, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No.7,055,192 issued Jun. 6, 2006, which claims the priority date of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 60/434,324, filed Dec. 17, 2002. Thedisclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to cribs and other usable objects (e.g.,child usable objects). More particularly, the present invention pertainsto crib attachments and other breathable apparatus that, for example,protect infants or young children from harm, e.g., crib attachments thatprevent or protect infants or young children when in a crib from gettinginto one or more problematic situations, e.g., getting limbs extendedand caught between crib slats or chewing on crib rails, siblings pokingsharp objects into the crib, etc.

For example, conventional baby cribs include side rails that are made upof top and bottom horizontal bars interconnected by a series of spacedsupports (e.g., vertical slats). Frequently, babies and toddlers, whilesleeping or playing in their cribs, intentionally or accidentally extendtheir limbs out of the crib between the slats and have difficultydrawing them back into the crib. If this occurs when the child issleeping, the extended limbs will remain uncovered and become cold, andthe child will be ultimately awakened. Many cribs also have headboardsand footboards that are also made with spaced-apart supports and thebaby may also extend its arms or legs out of the crib between theseslats.

Although various types of apparatus have been used to prevent suchproblematic situations (e.g., extension of limbs outside of the cribthrough the spaced-apart supports), many of such apparatus exhibit theirown problems. For example, as described herein, ventilation may beproblematic (e.g., such as that leading up to and resulting insuffocation). For example, crib bumper pads are widely used in cribs forprotecting a child from injury caused by bodily impact of the childagainst the sides of the crib that define the interior boundary of thecrib. However, in many cases, such crib bumpers do not allow foradequate ventilation within the crib and obstruct view of the child.

Infants usually breathe through the nasal passages. However, duringcrying or in the event their nasal passages are blocked, infants maybreathe through their oral cavities. Mechanical resistance suffocationtakes places when respiration is interrupted if these passages are bothblocked externally by an object. When respiration is interrupted, CO₂levels in the blood rise. The body's response to this elevation in CO₂levels is to attempt more rigorous respiration. If the agent ofsuffocation is not removed, the incident may be fatal after two or threeminutes. Further, the accumulation of CO₂ or other dangerous gasesinside the crib may be a possible cause of sudden infant death syndrome(SIDS). Existing crib apparatus, such as crib bumper pads, tend to trapdangerous gases inside the crib. Further, such apparatus may block thepassages of infants under certain circumstances.

Various types of other crib apparatus have been described and attempt toreduce one or more of the above problems. For example, such apparatusare described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,881,408 to Bashista et al., entitled“Mesh Crib Liner,” issued 16 Mar. 1999; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,178,573 toWagner et al., entitled “Ventilation Upgrade Kit for a Crib Bumper andMethod of Using It.”

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, as described herein, addresses the problemsdescribed above and other problems of prior art systems and methodswhich will become apparent to one skilled in the art from thedescription below. Generally, the present invention provides a cribshield system that is breathable, as well as other breathable apparatus(e.g., objects such as blankets, toys, etc.). For example, one cribshield system is for use with a crib that includes a first and secondside rail, a headboard, and a footboard connected and sized forreceiving a mattress therein. At least one of the first and second siderails includes a top bar and a plurality of spaced support elements.

The crib shield system according to the present invention for use withthe crib includes a first and second side panel, wherein each of thefirst and second side panels is configured as a separate panel to coverat least a substantial portion of a corresponding side rail with amesh-type material comprising openings too small to permit an infant toinsert a finger or toe therethrough. Each of the first and second sidepanels includes at least one fastening apparatus that extends along anentire edge of the side panel to attach the side panel to the top bar ofa corresponding side rail. Further, each of the first and second sidepanels includes at least one other fastening apparatus for securing theside panel to the corresponding side rail.

In one embodiment of the crib shield system, the system further includesat least one of a first and second end panel. Each of the at least onefirst and second end panels is configured as a separate panel to coverat least a substantial portion of a corresponding headboard or footboardwith a mesh-type material having openings too small to permit an infantto insert a finger or toe therethrough. Each of the first and second endpanels includes at least one fastening apparatus that extends along anentire edge of the panel to attach the panel to a spaced support elementof a corresponding headboard or footboard, and further wherein each ofthe first and second end panels includes at least one other fasteningapparatus for securing the panel to the corresponding headboard orfootboard.

In yet another embodiment, the at least one other fastening apparatus ofeach of the first and second end panels is provided at one or morepositions along an edge opposite the entire edge to allow a user to pullthe panel taut across the corresponding headboard or footboard when theat least one fastening apparatus extending along the entire edge of thepanel is attached to the spaced support element of the correspondingheadboard or footboard. Further, it is configured to secure the panel toanother spaced support element of the corresponding headboard orfootboard using the at least one other fastening apparatus.

In yet another embodiment of the system, the at least one otherfastening apparatus of each of the first and second side panels isprovided at one or more positions along an edge opposite the entire edgeto allow a user to pull the panel taut across the corresponding siderail when the at least one fastening apparatus extending along theentire edge of the panel is attached to the top rail of a correspondingside rail. Further, it is configured to secure the panel to anotherportion of the corresponding side rail using the at least one otherfastening apparatus.

Another crib shield system according to the present invention for usewith a crib (e.g., wherein each of the first and second side railsextend along a length of the crib between the headboard and thefootboard) includes a first panel and a second panel. The first panel isconfigured to cover at least a portion of the first side rail and toextend along substantially the length of the crib. Further, the firstpanel is formed substantially of a mesh-type material having openingstoo small to permit an infant to insert a finger or toe therethrough andincludes at least one fastening apparatus to attach a first end of thefirst panel to a first portion of the first side rail. Yet further, thefirst panel includes at least one other fastening apparatus for securinga second end opposite of the first end of the first panel to a secondportion of the first side rail.

The second panel is separate from the first panel and is configured tocover at least a portion of the second side rail and to extend at leastalong the length of the crib. The second panel is substantially formedof a mesh-type material having openings too small to permit an infant toinsert a finger or toe therethrough and the second panel includes atleast one fastening apparatus to attach a first end of the second panelto the crib. Further, the second panel includes at least one otherfastening apparatus for securing a second end opposite of the first endof the second panel to the crib.

In one embodiment of this crib shield system, the second panel isfurther configured to cover at least a portion of the headboard andfootboard, the at least one fastening apparatus of the second panel isconfigured to attach the second panel to one of the headboard andfootboard, and the at least one other fastening apparatus of the secondpanel is configured to secure the second panel to the other of theheadboard and footboard.

In another embodiment of the system, the at least one fasteningapparatus of the second panel is configured to attach the second panelto a spaced support element that forms a part of the headboard, and theat least one other fastening apparatus of the second panel is configuredto attach the second panel to another spaced support element that formsa part of the footboard.

Yet further, in another embodiment, the at least one fastening apparatusof the first panel is configured to attach the first end of the firstpanel to a spaced support element of the first side rail proximate theheadboard, and the at least one other fastening apparatus of the firstpanel is configured to attached the second end of the first panel toanother spaced support element of the first side rail proximate thefootboard.

Further, in one or more embodiments of this crib shield system, at leastthe first panel includes a width that is less than the length of aspaced support element of the first side rail or a width that is lessthan one half the length of a spaced support element of the first siderail.

Another crib shield system for a crib that includes a plurality ofspaced support elements (e.g., used in defining an interior boundaryextending proximate and around a periphery of a mattress disposed withinthe crib) includes at least one panel configured to cover at least aportion of the plurality of spaced support elements and to extend alongat least a portion of the interior boundary. The at least one panel isformed substantially of a breathable integrated padded mesh material andincludes at least one fastening apparatus for securing the at least onepanel to the crib.

In one embodiment of this system, the at least one panel may include afirst panel and a second panel. The first panel is sized to cover atleast a portion of the plurality of spaced support elements that form apart of a first side rail that defines at least a part of the interiorboundary and to extend along a substantial portion of a length of thefirst side rail from a headboard to a footboard of the crib. Further,the first panel includes at least one fastening apparatus to attach afirst end of the first panel to one of the plurality of spaced supportelements of the first side rail, and also at least one other fasteningapparatus for securing a second end of the first panel to another one ofthe plurality of spaced support elements of the first side rail. Thesecond panel is separate from the first panel and is sized to cover atleast a portion of the plurality of spaced support elements that form apart of a second side rail that defines at least a part of the interiorboundary and to extend at least along a substantial portion of a lengthof the second side rail from a headboard to a footboard of the crib. Thesecond panel includes at least one fastening apparatus to attach thesecond panel to one of the plurality of spaced support elements of thecrib, and also includes at least one other fastening apparatus forsecuring the second panel to another one of the plurality of spacedsupport elements of the crib.

In yet another embodiment of the system, the second panel is furthersized to cover at least a portion of the headboard and the footboardthat defines at least a part of the interior boundary. For example, theat least one fastening apparatus of the second panel is configured toattach the second panel to a spaced support element of the headboard andthe at least one other fastening apparatus of the second panel isconfigured to secure the second panel to a spaced support element of thefootboard.

In one or more embodiments of the apparatus or systems described herein,the plurality of spaced support elements covered, at least in part, bythe at least one panel form a part of a side rail that is movablerelative to a remainder of the crib. Further, one or more of thefastening apparatus may include a hook and loop fastener.

Further, one or more of the panels of the systems described herein maybe formed of a breathable integrated padded mesh material. For example,the mesh-type material may include a front substructure, a backsubstructure, and a pile substructure integrated with and extendingbetween the front and back substructures. Each of the substructuresallows air to substantially move effectively therethrough.

Yet further according to the present invention, various other breathableapparatus may be provided. For example, an apparatus may include a bodyportion that includes one or more surfaces. The body portion is, forexample, used proximate the mouth of a human being. The body portion mayform at least a substantial portion of at least one of a blanket, a babycarrier apparatus, baby clothing, a toy, etc. Further, substantially allof the one or more surfaces of the body portion may be formed of abreathable integrated padded mesh material.

According to one embodiment, an apparatus includes a single layer fabricmesh having a length proportional to the circumference of a crib, thesingle layer fabric mesh allowing air flow through the single layerfabric mesh. The apparatus also includes a top liner attached to a firstlong side of the single fabric layer mesh. The apparatus furtherincludes a bottom liner attached to a second long side, opposing thefirst long side, of the single fabric layer mesh.

According to another embodiment, a method includes weaving a crib bumperbetween slats of a crib. The method also includes attaching the cribbumper to the crib with a fastener.

The above summary of the present invention is not intended to describeeach embodiment or every implementation of the present invention.Advantages, together with a more complete understanding of theinvention, will become apparent and appreciated by referring to thefollowing detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a low crib shieldsystem attached to a crib with a side rail of the crib in a raisedstate.

FIG. 1B shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a single-wrap cribshield system attached to a crib.

FIG. 1C shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a double-wrap cribshield system attached to a crib with a side rail of the crib in araised state.

FIG. 1D shows a side view of one embodiment of a hook and loop velcroattachment.

FIG. 1E shows a side view of one embodiment of tie attachments.

FIG. 1F shows a side view of one embodiment of snap attachments.

FIG. 2A is a top view of one embodiment of a first side panel of the lowcrib shield system shown in FIG. 1 in an unattached position laid flat.

FIG. 2B is a top view of one embodiment of a second side panel of thelow crib shield system shown in FIG. 1 in an unattached position laidflat.

FIGS. 2C-2F show details of one embodiment of an integrated padded meshmaterial that may be used in forming the side panels and the crib shieldsystem shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, as well as other apparatus or objectsdescribed in the other figures.

FIGS. 2G-H show illustrations of a printed mesh designs for crib bumpersand crib liners.

FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate the attachment of the first and second sidepanels shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 to a crib according to one embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 4A shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a full crib shieldsystem attached to a crib with the mattress of the crib in a loweredposition and a moveable side rail in a raised state.

FIG. 4B shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a full cribshield system attached to a crib.

FIG. 5A shows a top view of one embodiment of a side panel for use inthe full crib shield system shown in FIG. 4A according to the presentinvention in an unattached position laid flat.

FIG. 5B shows a back side of a crib shield mesh according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 5C shows a front side and several magnified views of a side panelfor use in a crib shield system according to the present invention.

FIG. 5D shows a side view of a second crib rail cover.

FIG. 5E is an illustration of a rail cover having multiple layers offabric.

FIGS. 6A-6F show various illustrations for use in describing theattachment of the side panel shown in FIG. 5 to a crib side railaccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7A shows a top view of an end panel for use in the full crib shieldsystem shown in FIG. 4A according to the present invention in anunattached position laid flat.

FIG. 7B shows a back side of a back panel wrap for attaching to a railcover according to the present invention.

FIG. 7C shows a front side of a back panel wrap for attaching to a railcover according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 shows an illustration for use in describing attachment of the endpanel shown generally in FIG. 7A to a headboard or footboard of a cribaccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a general embodiment of a breathableapparatus according to the present invention.

FIGS. 10A-10C show illustrations of a breathable blanket and abreathable comforter, along with more detail thereof, respectively,according to the present invention.

FIGS. 11A-11F show various illustrations of breathable apparatus, suchas apparatus for carrying or receiving a small child (e.g., a baby)according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 shows an illustration of one embodiment of a breathable toyaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 13 shows a diagram of one embodiment of breathable clothing orwearables according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 shows an illustration of one embodiment of a crib lineraccording to the present invention.

FIGS. 15A-C show a detailed illustration of one embodiment of a cribliner according to the present invention.

FIGS. 16A-C show an illustration of various embodiments of a crib linerwith crib slat pads according to the present invention.

FIG. 17 shows an illustration of a two-part bumper system of oneembodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 18 shows an illustration of a crib liner with attachment devices ofone embodiment according to the present invention.

FIGS. 19A-B show an illustration of one embodiment of a crib liner withextended length according to the present invention.

FIGS. 20A-B show an illustration of one embodiment of a crib liner witha underneath mattress fabric according to the present invention.

FIGS. 21A-B show an illustration of one embodiment of an expandable cribliner according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

One or more embodiments of crib shield systems shall be described withreference to FIGS. 1-8. Thereafter, various embodiments of otherbreathable apparatus shall be described with further reference to FIGS.9-13. Additional embodiments of a crib shield system shall be describedwith further reference to FIGS. 14-21.

FIG. 1A shows a conventional crib 10. The crib 10 includes two siderails 12, 14, a footboard 16, and a headboard 18. The side rails 12, 14extend between the footboard 16 and headboard 18 along a length thereof.The headboard 18, footboard 16, and side rails 12, 14 are connected andsized for receiving a mattress within an interior 11 of the crib 10.

Generally, the side rails 12, 14, footboard 16, and headboard 18 definean interior boundary extending proximate and around a periphery of themattress 26 disposed within the crib 10. The mattress 26 is supportedwithin the crib 10 by various structure not shown in FIG. 1A. Forexample, a bottom structural member may be supported at one or morepositions about the interior boundary of the crib 10 (e.g., elementsattached to corner posts 36, 38, 31, 33) or in any other fashion. Inmany conventional cribs 10, the mattress 26 and/or a supporting membertherebelow may be raised and/or lowered. For example, as shown in FIG.1A, the mattress 26 is in a raised state. On the other hand, as shown inFIG. 4A (to be described further herein), the mattress is shown in alowered state. The lowered state is closer to the ground or floor uponwhich the crib 10 is positioned than the raised state.

The side rail 12 generally includes a top bar 22 and a bottom bar 24positioned substantially parallel to one another. A plurality ofgenerally vertically-spaced side support elements 20 extend between thehorizontal top bar 22 and horizontal bottom bar 24. The side rail 12 inmany conventional cribs is moveable from a raised state to a loweredstate. For example, the moveable side rail 12 allows a user to lower theside rail 12 in order to have easier access to a child lying on mattress26. As shown in FIG. 1A, side rail 12 can be raised or lowered relativeto support structure element 39 and the remainder of the crib 10. Thepresent invention allows for the side rail 12 to be moved from a loweredstate to a raised state, or vice versa, even with the crib shield system40 attached to the crib 10.

Side rail 14 may be similarly configured like that of side rail 12. Inother words, side rail 14 may be moveable from a lowered to a raisedstate, and vice versa. However, side rail 14 may also be in a stationaryposition fixedly attached to corner posts 36, 31. Likewise, side rail 12may be moveable or in a fixed position. As moveable side rails areconventional configurations, no further description is provided withrespect to the mechanisms for allowing such movement thereof. The cribshield systems described herein work with various mechanisms for movingside rails, e.g., side and bottom latch systems and gliding sidemechanisms.

Headboard 18 of crib 10 includes an upper bar 32 (e.g., in a decorativecurved shape) as well as a bottom horizontal element 43, each connectedin a fixed position to corner posts 36, 38. In a similar manner to theside rails 12, 14, generally vertically-spaced support elements 34extend between the top bar 32 and the horizontal element 43. It will berecognized that many cribs may or may not have spaced support elementsthat define a part of the footboard 16 or headboard 18. For example, theheadboard and footboard may be solid materials as opposed tospaced-apart supports. The footboard 16 is configured in a manner likethat of headboard 18 and includes corner posts 31, 33.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the plurality of spaced-apart side support elements20, 34 of the side rails 12, 14 and the headboard and footboard 16, 18are used to define the interior boundary extending proximate and aroundthe periphery of the mattress 26 disposed within the crib 10. In oneembodiment, and as shown in FIG. 1A, at least one panel is sized forcovering at least a portion of the plurality of spaced-apart sidesupport elements and configured to extend along at least a portion ofthe interior boundary. As is described herein, in one preferredembodiment, substantially the entire panel is formed of a breathableintegrated padded mesh material and the panel includes at least onefastening apparatus for securing at least one panel to the crib 10.

As used herein, the term mattress may include any structure disposedwithin crib 10 and upon which objects and/or human beings may be placed.In other words, mattress refers to any structure and not just a softsleeping apparatus. For example, the crib could be configured into aplaypen-type structure with a solid hard and/or flat bottom that is, forexample, lowered very close to the floor. As such, and as used herein, acrib can be equated to and encompasses the various structures similar toa crib, such as those for containing a small child (e.g., playpens,portable cribs, convertible cribs, round cribs, or other structuresincluding, for example, spaced-apart side supports which require anapparatus or system such as that described herein).

As further shown in FIG. 1A, crib shield system 40 is attached to crib10 along a substantial portion of the interior boundary of the crib 10defined by the headboard 18, footboard 16, and side rails 12, 14. Asshown in FIG. 1A, a first side panel 42 is attached to side rail 12.Further, a second side panel 44 is attached for covering side rail 14,footboard 16, and headboard 18. However, one skilled in the art willrecognize that the second side panel 44 may also be configured to coverjust the second side rail 14 and the footboard 16 (e.g., such as whenthe headboard 18 lacks vertical spaced-apart side support elements), ormay cover just side rail 14 and headboard 18 (e.g., such as whenfootboard 16 lacks spaced-apart side support elements). In other words,the configuration of the second side panel 44 may differ depending uponthe configuration of crib 10 upon which it is attached.

In another embodiment of the crib shield of FIG. 1A, the crib shield mayextend nearly the full height of the crib. FIG. 1B shows a perspectiveview of one embodiment of a single-wrap crib shield system attached to acrib with a side rail of the crib in a raised state. A crib shield 111may include wraps 110 a, 110 b, and 110 c positioned at differentvertical locations along the crib shield 111. The wraps 110 a, 110 b,and 110 c may be Velcro, ties, snaps, and/or a zipper. The crib shield111 may be fastened to the crib 10 through fasteners 114 and 116. Thefasteners 114 and 116 may be located anywhere along the vertical heightof the crib shield 111 or perimeter of the crib 10.

The crib shield of FIG. 1B illustrates a single wrap full height shield,but additional wraps may be used to secure the crib shield. FIG. 1Cshows a perspective view of one embodiment of a double-wrap crib shieldsystem attached to a crib with a side rail of the crib in a raisedstate. The crib shield 111 of FIG. 1C includes second wraps 112 a and112 b located at different vertical heights along the crib shield 111.

The various wrap types are illustrated in FIGS. 1D-IF. FIG. 1D shows aside view of one embodiment of a hook and loop Velcro attachment. Velcro113 a, 113 b, and 113 c located at different vertical positions mayattach to Velcro receptors 113 d, 113 e, and 113 f, respectively. FIG.1E shows a side view of one embodiment of tie attachments. Ties 115 maybe loose pieces of string located on ends of the crib shield orlocations along the perimeter of the crib shield to allow an individualto tie one of the ties to another tie. FIG. 1F shows a side view of oneembodiment of snap attachments. One side of the crib shield may includesnap receptors 117 b while another side of the crib shield may includesnap attachments 117 a. An individual snaps on the of the snap receptors117 b to a snap attachment 117 a to secure the crib shield. A cribshield with snap attachments 117 a and 117 b allows an individual tocustom size the crib shield by selecting where to couple a snapattachment to a snap receptor.

FIG. 2A shows the first side panel 42 in an unattached laid flatposition. The first side panel 42 includes a body 46 formed of amesh-type material that extends along the length (L panel 1) from afirst end 48 of the first side panel 42 to a second end 50 of the firstside panel 42. The length (L panel 1) of the first side panel 42 issized for allowing attachment to the side rail 12 of crib 10. Forexample, the length (L panel 1) is slightly longer than the distancebetween spaced-apart side support elements 27, 29. In such a manner, thefirst side panel 42 can be wrapped about such side support elements 27,29 and fastened thereto using hook and loop closures 52, 54, as isfurther described herein with reference to FIG. 3A.

The body portion 46 has a width (W panel 1) that is less than a length(L support as shown in FIG. 1) of a vertical spaced support element 20of the first side rail 12. Preferably, the width (W panel 1) is lessthan one-half the length (L support) of the vertical spaced side supportelement 20.

The first side panel 42 includes a first fastening apparatus 52 at thefirst end 48 of the first side panel 42 and a second fastening apparatus54 at the second end 50 of the first side panel 42. Fastening apparatus52 includes fastening portions 53, 55, such as hook and loop closures(e.g., Velcro). In one embodiment, fastening apparatus 54 is the same asfastening apparatus 52, however, such closure structures may also bedifferent.

Various fastening apparatus may be used to attach the first side panelas well as the other panels as described herein to a crib. For example,various types of fastening apparatus may include hook and loop closures(e.g., Velcro), snaps, buttons/buttonholes, ties, straps, buckles,zippers, etc. Although hook and loop fasteners are preferable, any otherclosure or fastener apparatus suitable for attaching panels to crib 10may be used.

In one embodiment, a finishing edge material 58 is provided along theperiphery of the body portion 46. For example, as shown in FIG. 2A, afinishing edge material (e.g., a decorative material) may be used alongedges 61-64.

FIG. 2B shows the second side panel 44 in an unattached laid flatposition. The second side panel 44 includes a body portion 70 thatextends along a length (L panel 2) from a first end 72 thereof to asecond end 74 of the second side panel 44. The length (L panel 2) of thesecond side panel 44 is sized for allowing attachment to footboard 16and headboard 18 and across side rail 14 of crib 10. For example, thelength (L panel 2) is slightly longer than the combined lengths of thethree sides of the crib 10 (i.e., the lengths of the footboard 16,headboard 18, and side rail 14). In such a manner, the second side panel44 can be wrapped about support elements 19, 35 and fastened theretousing hook and loop closures 76, 78, as is further described herein.Further, the second side panel 44 has a width (W panel 2) that, at leastin one embodiment, has substantially the same width as the width (Wpanel 1) of first panel 42.

Further, second side panel 44 includes fastening apparatus 76 at firstend 72 of the second side panel 44 and fastening apparatus 78 at thesecond end 74 of the second panel 44. Such fastening apparatus 76, 78are substantially similar to the hook and loop fasteners described withrespect to first panel 42. Further, in a like manner, finishing edgematerial 80 may be used around the perimeter of the body portion 70 asshown by the finishing material 80 along edges 81-84.

The mesh-type material of the body portion 46 of first side panel 42 andbody portion 70 of second side panel 44 may include any suitablemesh-type material that provides breathable functionality. Breathablefunctionality refers to the ability of the material to allow air tosubstantially move effectively therethrough. As used herein, when air isindicated as substantially moving effectively through a material, it ismeant that the material includes openings (e.g., mesh openings,open-framework, spaces between elements thereof, or even those that maynot be visually perceivable openings but still allow a breathablefunction to occur) that do not impede air movement to an extent thatwould prevent a human being from breathing through (e.g., when a human'srespiratory openings (e.g., nose/mouth) are in direct contact with amaterial) such a material in order to prevent suffocation and furtherthat such openings are too small to permit an infant to insert a fingeror toe therethrough. For example, such materials may include cotton,silk, polyester, nylon, etc.

In one embodiment, the mesh-type material may include a mesh availablefrom Apex Mills, Inc. under the trade designation TAI Mesh. However,other various similar mesh materials (e.g., mesh material havingsuitable openings are available). A Suffocation Hazard Assessment wasperformed by RAM Consulting (Oak Brook, Ill.) (e.g., the Assessment isfurther described herein and for which protocol is available from RAMConsulting) on the TAI Mesh resulting in average readings of 1.6 cm H₂Oand, for an upper specification limit of 5 cm H₂O, a Z-value of 9.0 wasobtained.

Preferably, the mesh-type material is a breathable integrated paddedmesh material 300 (e.g., a padded spacer mesh), such as that showgenerally in FIGS. 2C-2F. The breathable integrated padded mesh material300 includes openings 349 on a front substructure 391 thereof, as shownin top view of the material 300 of FIG. 2C. As shown in thecross-section of the breathable integrated padded mesh material 300 inFIG. 2F, the material 300 further includes a back substructure 392. Apile substructure 393 is integrated with and extends between the frontand back substructures 391, 392. Each of the substructures (e.g., thefront, back, and pile substructures) allows air to substantially moveeffectively therethrough. The material 300 is further shown in theperspective views of FIGS. 2D-2E.

The meshes or other fabrics shown in FIGS. 2A-2F may include printeddesigns on the mesh. FIG. 2G shows an illustration of a printed meshaccording to one embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 2H shows anillustration of a printed mesh according to another embodiment of thedisclosure.

It will be recognized that the thickness of the padded mesh material mayvary, as well as for other materials described herein. For example, morepadding may create a softer more plush effect with slightly differentbreathability/ventilation properties and more opaqueness (e.g., lesslight transmissive) whereas less padding may create more breathabilityand buoyancy with less opaqueness (e.g., more light transmissive).Preferably, the panels described herein are at least somewhattransparent such that at least motion of the child in the crib can beseen.

Yet further, the padded mesh material is collapsible. As such, wheninstalled or uninstalled, should a child stand on it, the material willcollapse. This reduces the risk of the mesh material being leverage to aclimbing infant (unlike most conventional bumpers).

The breathable padded mesh material may be a woven polymeric fiber meshmaterial that is integrated with a front and back substructure 391, 392.The front substructure 391 may include larger openings on the frontsubstructure 391 than on the back substructure 392. In one exampleembodiment, the padded mesh material 300 is integrated with the frontand back substructures 391, 392 by weaving the fibers that are providedas part of the pile substructure 393 through the front and backsubstructure 391, 392 as shown in FIG. 2D-F. In another embodiment, thepadded mesh material is integrated by sewing, or otherwise attaching,the padded mesh material 300 between a front and back substructure orother substructures (not shown). That is, in this embodiment the paddedmesh material is integrated by attaching to other materials, such asbreathable materials or pad materials, to form a multi-layer structure(not shown). The multi-layer structure may be, for example, laminated orquilted.

In one embodiment, for example, the breathable integrated padded meshmaterial 300 may include a padded spacer mesh available from Apex Mills,Inc. under the trade designation DNB27 Spacer Mesh. However, othervarious similar padded spacer mesh materials are available.

In another embodiment, the mesh-type material is a breathable integratedpadded mesh material in combination with one or more other materiallayers. For example, the breathable integrated padded mesh material maybe used in combination with one or more layers of other materialadjacent to (e.g., one material laid flat against the other) either thefront substructure and/or back substructure of the breathable integratedpadded mesh material. In various embodiments of such a combination, oneor more layers of material may be used adjacent the front substructure,one or more layers of material may be used adjacent the backsubstructure, or one or more layers of material may be used adjacent thefront substructure and the back substructure. For example, suchadditional layers may be layers of cotton material, knit jerseymaterial, etc. Such additional material layers may provide additionalbenefits such as, for example, thermal properties with breathability.

Further, for example, the breathable integrated padded mesh materialwhen used alone, or in combination with one or more additional layers,may be any breathable integrated padded mesh material that has asuffocation resistance level of less than about 15 cm H.sub.2O, andpreferably less than about 5 cm H₂O. Such a suffocation resistance isdetermined according to the RAM Consulting Virtual Child SuffocationHazard Assessment Model which is a physical model and testingmethodology that quantitatively assesses the potential suffocationhazards posed by various types of materials. The details of this Modelare available from RAM Consulting (Oak Brook, Ill.). Further, accordingto this Model, Z-values are determined that are statistical measurementtools that describe and predict product performance in relation to itsspecification limit (e.g., such as those described below). For example,the suffocation resistance limit of 5 cm H.sub.2O is an upperspecification limit for materials or products that foreseeably are usedand/or intended for young infants with high accessibility; and further,the suffocation resistance limit of about 15 cm H₂O is an upperspecification limit for other materials or products (e.g., those fortoddlers). A Z-value of 4.0 or greater with the corresponding upperspecification limit for each applicable testing technique is requiredfor a product to be classified as a very low suffocation risk. Thedetails regarding the determination of Z-values are available from RAMConsulting (Oak Brook, Ill.).

Suffocation Hazard Assessment was performed by RAM Consulting (OakBrook, Ill.) on various configurations using the breathable integratedpadded mesh material available from Apex Mills, Inc. under the tradedesignation DNB27 Spacer Mesh.

Configuration 1: Single Layer of Padded Spacer Mesh Configuration 2:Layer 1: Padded Spacer Mesh Layer 2: Cotton Configuration 3: Layer 1:Knit Jersey Layer 2: Padded Spacer Mesh Layer 3: Cotton Configuration 4:Layer 1: Cotton Layer 2: Padded Spacer Mesh Layer 3: CottonConfiguration 5: Layer 1: Knit Jersey Layer 2: Padded Spacer Mesh Layer3: Knit Jersey Configuration 6: Layer 1: Padded Spacer Mesh Layer 2:Flannel Fabrics tested: Knit Jersey Manufacturer: NATEX Content: 50%Polyester/50% Cotton Knit Jersey Style#: INT Cotton Manufacturer:SOUTHERN BELLE Content: 100% Cotton Style#: L93N67 Flannel Manufacturer:QUILTERS CORNER Content: 100% Cotton Style#: RN41324

A screening was performed on all configurations in both a dry and wetstate. The spacer padded mesh when layered with fabrics resulted in asatisfactory reading based on values in cm H₂O, wherein thespecification upper limit for products young children are intended tolie on is equal to 5 cm H₂O (e.g., mattress pads or items young infantsare intended to have their face on) and wherein the specification forproducts young children are not intended to lie on is equal to 15 cmH₂O.

Four individual readings were performed with an average beingdetermined. Dry state readings did not register, thus presenting verylow hazard when the configurations were dry (i.e., under the 5 cm H₂Ospecification limit). In the wet state (after application of 8 ml ofsprayed on water), the average readings for the configurations werebetween 4.6 cm H₂O and 6.2 cm H₂O.

For the individual single layer of spacer padded mesh, average readingsof 1.7 cm H₂O were taken. Further, for an upper specification limit of 5cm H₂O, a Z-value of 9.5 was obtained.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the first side panel 42 is attached to first siderail 12 by wrapping first end 48 of the first spacer panel 42 aboutspaced side support element 27 and mating the hook and loop fastenerportions 53, 55 as shown in FIG. 3A. The second end 50 of first spacerpanel 42 is wrapped around side support element 29 and fasteningapparatus 54 is used to hold the first side panel in place. For example,in one embodiment, the fastening apparatus 54 is attached to the sidesupport element 27. Thereafter, the user pulls the panel taut across theplurality of spaced side support elements 20 by pulling on the secondend 50 containing the fastening apparatus 54. Fastening apparatus 54 isthe attached to support element 29 in such a manner to hold the tautpanel in place. As such, the first side panel 42 is prevented fromslipping after being attached to the spaced side support elements 27,29.

In at least one embodiment, the first side panel 42 is configured tocover at least a portion of the first side rail 12 and to extendsubstantially along the length of the crib 10. As used herein when apanel extends substantially along the length of the crib 10, it will berecognized that the panel may not extend completely along the entirelength, but may end proximate the headboard and footboard. For example,depending upon the fastening techniques used, the panel may be attacheda short distance from the corner posts of the crib (see panel 42 asshown in FIG. 1A).

In a like manner, second side panel 44 is attached to the crib 10. Forexample, the second end 74 of the second side panel 44 is wrapped aboutspaced support element 35 of headboard 18. Fastening apparatus 78 (e.g.,Velcro closures) is used to fasten the second end 74 about the supportelement 35.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1A, the body portion 70 of the second sidepanel 44 is fed to the inside of the crib 10 (e.g., to the insideportions of support elements 34) and thereafter fed to the outside ofthe crib 10 and around corner post 36. The body portion 70 is continuedto be fed back into the inside of the crib 10 (e.g., to the inside ofthe support elements of the second side rail 14) and thereafter fed onceagain to the outside of the crib 10 and around corner post 31 (see FIGS.3B-3C). Thereafter, the body portion 70 of the second side panel 44 isfed to the inside of the crib 10 once again at the footboard 16 and thenwrapped around support element 19 of footboard 16 in a similar manner tothe fastening of the second side panel 44 around support element 35 ofheadboard 18.

One will recognize that the second side panel may be attached to anynumber of different support elements, may be fed around and/or to theoutside of one or more spaced support elements, and, as with the firstside panel 42, is pulled taut prior to fastening to keep the second sidepanel 44 in position. Further, the weaving of the second side panel 44around the corner posts and/or around one or more of the spaced supportelements also assists in maintaining the second side panel 44 inposition (e.g., in a position higher on the crib 10 when the mattress israised relative to the floor and lower in the crib 10 when the mattressis lowered to the floor). In addition, any of the panels may bepositioned such that a portion of the panel is below the upper surfaceof the mattress (e.g., a few centimeters below the surface along theside of the mattress) to assist in securing the crib and preventing armsand legs from going under the panel.

In another embodiment, the crib shield system may comprise a single sidepanel, which may be used with cribs without a movable side rail. Asshown in FIG. 1B, the crib 10 is substantially the same as that shown inFIG. 1A except that the side rail 12 is fixed and cannot be lowered orraised.

The single side panel 111, as shown in FIG. 1B, includes a body portion70 that extends along a length (L panel 3) from a first end 72 thereofto a second end 74 of the single side panel 111, in a like manner withthe second side panel 44 in FIG. 2B. The length (L panel 3) of thesingle side panel 111 may be sized for allowing attachment to footboard16 and headboard 18 and across side rail 12 and 14 of crib 10. Forexample, the length (L panel 3) is slightly longer than the combinedlengths of the four sides of the crib 10 (i.e., the lengths of thefootboard 16, headboard 18, side rail 12, and side rail 14). In thisembodiment, the single side panel 111 may be wrapped about supportelements 35, installed along all four sides of the crib, and fastened tosupport elements 27 using hook and loop closures, as shown in FIG. 3A.Further, the single side panel 111 may have a width (W panel 3) that, atleast in one embodiment, may have substantially the same width as thewidth (W panel 1) of first panel 42.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 1B-IC, single side panel 111 may includefastening apparatus 110 a-c at first end of the single side panel 111and fastening apparatus at the second end of the single side panel 111.Such fastening apparatuses 110 a-c are substantially similar to the hookand loop fasteners described with respect to first panel 42. In oneembodiment, finishing edge material 80 may be attached around theperimeter of the body portion 70 as shown by the finishing material 80along edges 81-84.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the single side panel 111 may be attached toheadboard 18 by wrapping first end 72 of the single side panel 111 aboutspaced side support element 35 and mating the hook and loop fastenerportions 110 a-c, as shown in FIG. 3A.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1B, the body portion 70 of the single sidepanel 111 may be fed to the inside of the crib 10 (e.g., to the insideportions of support elements 34) and thereafter fed to the outside ofthe crib 10 and inside corner post 36. The body portion 70 may becontinued to be fed back into the inside of the crib 10 (e.g., to theinside of the support elements of the second side rail 14) andthereafter fed once again to the outside of the crib 10 and insidecorner post 31 (see FIGS. 1B, 1C). Thereafter, the body portion 70 ofthe single side panel 111 may be fed to the outside of the crib 10 onceagain at the footboard 16 and then fed inside of corner post 33 to theinside of the crib 10 (e.g., to the inside portions of support elements20). Finally, the second end 74 of single side panel 111 may be wrappedaround side support element 27 and fastening apparatus is used to holdthe single side panel in place. Thereafter, the user may pull the paneltaut across the plurality of spaced side support elements on all foursides of the crib by pulling on the second end 74 containing thefastening apparatus. Fastening apparatus may be attached to supportelement 27 in such a manner to hold the taut panel in place. The singleside panel 111 may be deterred from slipping after being attached to thespaced side support elements 35, 27.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the crib 10 is substantially the same as that shownin FIGS. 1A-IC except that the mattress 26 is in a lowered position.However, the side rail 12 is a side rail that can be lowered or raised,as desired. Like the crib shield system 40 in FIG. 1A, crib shieldsystem 100, shown in FIG. 4, allows the side rail 12 to be moved evenwith the crib shield system 100 attached to crib 10.

Crib shield system 100 includes a first side panel 102 and a second sidepanel 104 for attachment to respective side rails 12, 14. Further, thecrib shield system 100 includes a first end panel 106 for attachment tothe footboard 16 and a second end panel 108 for attachment to theheadboard 18.

FIG. 4B shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a full cribshield system attached to a crib. A mesh 411 extends around a crib 401.A number of ties 415 attach side rail covers 417, a back rail cover 419,and a front rail cover 421 to the mesh 411. A hidden zipper (not shown)may attach a front side of the rail covers 417, 419, and 421 to the mesh411. The hidden zipper may be concealed by a flap 407, such as in agusset pocket. In some embodiments, the rail covers 417, 419, and 421may be available as upgrades to a basic mesh crib liner 411. The railcovers 417, 419, and 421 may be a solid color or include patterns and bemade of washable material with quick drying capability.

FIG. 5 shows the first side panel 102 of crib shield system 100 in anunattached laid flat position. The first side panel 102 includes a bodyportion 120 formed of a mesh-type material. In one embodiment, themesh-type material is an open framework material that includes openingstoo small to permit an infant to insert a finger or toe therethrough.However, any mesh-type material described herein may be used as well.

The body portion 120 extends along a length (L panel 1) extending from afirst end 122 of the first side panel 102 to a second end 124 thereof.Further, the laid flat first side panel 102 has a width (W panel 1) thatis sized to cover at least a substantial portion of side rail 12.

As used herein, when referring to the covering of a substantial portionof a side rail (or headboard or footboard, at least two-thirds of theside rail 12 is covered. However, the first side panel may cover lessthan a substantial portion. For example, the first side panel may coverjust a majority of the entire side rail 12.

The first side panel 102 further includes a fastening apparatus 126 thatextends along an entire edge 144 of the side panel 102 for use inattaching the side panel 102 to the top bar 22 of the side rail 12, asis shown in further detail in FIGS. 6A-6D. The fastening apparatus 126,at least in one embodiment, includes first and second fastening portions147, 148 that are both for mating with one another in order to hold thefirst side panel 102 in a fixed position relative to side rail 12.

In another embodiment, the fastening apparatus 126 may be a series ofstraps or ties intermittently disposed along the edge 144 of the sidepanel 102 for use in attaching the side panel 102 to the top bar 22 ofthe side rail 12, as is shown in further detail in FIGS. 18-20 below.Each of the straps or ties of fastening apparatus 126, at least in oneembodiment, includes first and second fastening portions 147, 148 thatare both for mating with one another in order to hold the first sidepanel 102 in a fixed position relative to side rail 12.

As shown in FIG. 6A, the fastening apparatus 126 includes a paddedportion 150 that is wrapped around top rail 22 such that first andsecond fastening portions 147, 148 can be placed in contact with oneanother. As a result, the padded portion 150 covers the top bar 22 ofthe side rail 12. With use of the fastening apparatus 126 that extendsalong the entire edge 148 of the first side panel 102, the first sidepanel 102 can be fixed in a stable position with respect to side rail12. For example, the first side panel 102 can be fixedly positioned toprevent movement thereof relative to the side rail 12 using one or moreother various fastening apparatus.

In another embodiment, the padded portion 150 may be removably attachedto the fastening apparatus 126. For example, the padded portion 150 maycomprise a strip of padded material with one fastening side, thefastening side designed to be removably attached to the fasteningapparatus 126 using hook and loop fasteners, snaps, zippers, or otherappropriate fastening apparatus. The padded material may be any suitablematerial, not just the aforementioned mesh-type material.

For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, closures 127-128 provide foradditional affixing functionality about the top bar 22 of the crib 10.In addition, closures 129-130 assist in affixing the first side panel102 to respective corner posts 38, 33. Yet further, for example, aplurality of closures 131-133, located opposite the edge 144 can be usedto attach the first side panel 102 to bottom bar 24 of the side rail 12such that the panel 102 is held in a taut manner across the plurality ofsupport elements 20.

FIG. 5B shows a back side of a crib shield mesh according to the presentinvention. A crib shield 102 may include one or more ties 115 along atop end of the crib shield 102. The ties 115 may allow connection of thecrib shield 102 with a rail cover described below with reference to FIG.5D. Although not shown, the ties 115 may also be coupled to a bottom endof the crib shield 102. The crib shield 102 may also include a number ofVelcro loops 113 including Velcro attachments 113 a, 113 b, and 113 c,and Velcro receptors 113 d, 113 e, and 113 f. The receptors 113 d, 113e, and 113 f may loop around a support structure (not shown), such as acrib, and hook around to couple to the attachments 113 a, 113 b, and 113c.

FIG. 5C shows a front side and several magnified views of a side panelfor use in a crib shield system according to the present invention. Thecrib shield 102 of FIG. 5C may illustrate a side of the crib shield 102facing an inside of a crib. The crib shield 102 may have a size ofapproximately 128 inches by approximately 19.5 inches. A fastener 105 amay couple the crib shield 102 to a front/back crib rail cover 103through a fastener 105 b. The cover 103 may have a size of approximately46 inches by approximately 14 inches. The fastener 105 a and 105 b maybe a half of a zipper and the zipper pull located on one or the other offastener 105 a and 105 b. For example, the rail cover 103 may includethe zipper pull 105 b, such as a dual separating zipper, which may beopened or closed from either end. A flap 107 may extend over thefastener 105 a to conceal the zipper. Although a zipper is illustratedconnecting the crib shield 102 and the rail cover 103, other fastenerssuch as buttons, snaps, and ties are possible. A second rail cover maybe used for sides of a crib. FIG. 5D shows a side view of a second cribrail cover. The cover 107 includes ties 115 for coupling to the ties 115of the crib shield 102 illustrated in FIG. 5B.

The rail cover 103 may include multiple layers of material. FIG. 5E isan illustration of a rail cover having multiple layers of fabric. Forexample, the cover 103 may include an outer layer 151 such as meshfabric, a middle layer 153 such as a padded filler, and a bottom layer155 such as a waterproof layer, allergen-blocking layer, or otherfabric. The cover 107 may have a size of approximately 27 inches byapproximately 14 inches.

One skilled in the art will recognize that many types of closures may beused to provide the attachment functionality, such as those describedpreviously herein with respect to crib shield system 40. In oneparticular embodiment, all of the closures are provided with hook andloop fasteners (e.g., Velcro fasteners). In such a manner, no ties arenecessary, which eliminate additional material that could be grabbed bya small child and pulled upon.

FIGS. 6A-6D show further detail illustrating the attachment of the firstside panel 102 to the crib 10. FIG. 6A shows the fastening apparatus 126wrapped around the top bar 22 of the crib 10 and, in particular, aclosure 130 wrapped around post 33 but not yet in a closed position.

FIG. 6B shows the closure 130 in a wrapped around configuration andclosed (e.g., the hook and loop fasteners in direct contact with oneanother and providing attachment to corner post 33).

FIG. 6C shows the fastening apparatus 126 in further detail, includingfastening portions 147-148 and closure 127 in a partially unattachedconfiguration.

FIG. 6D shows a cross-section view of the top bar 22 having the paddedrail cover portion 150 wrapped therearound.

FIG. 6E shows one of the bottom closure strap attachments 133 used towrap around bottom bar 24. The strap attachment 133 is shown in apartially closed position with a part of the hook and loop fasteners indirect contact.

FIG. 6F shows a cross-section of the bottom bar 24 having strapattachment closure 133 wrapped therearound and in a fastenedconfiguration.

It will be readily understood that second side panel 104 issubstantially similar to that of first side panel 102. In addition, theattachment of second side panel 104 to side rail 14 is performed insubstantially the same manner as the attachment of first side panel 102to side rail 12 of crib 10.

FIG. 7A shows the end panel 108 in an unattached laid flat position. Theend panel 108 includes a body portion 160 of mesh-type material likethat described with respect to first side panel 102 which extends alonga length (L panel 2) from a first end 162 to a second end 164 of the endpanel 108. Further, the end panel 108 has a width (W panel 2) that alongwith length (L panel 2) is sized to cover a substantial portion ofheadboard 18. The end panel 108 includes fastening apparatus 166, forexample, along the entire edge 183 of the body portion 160 for use inattachment of the end panel 108 to a support element 37 of the headboard18. The fastening apparatus 166 includes fastener portions 168-169 and abody portion 170. The body portion 170 is wrapped around the supportelement 37, as shown in further detail in FIG. 8, with the fastenerportions 168-169 placed in direct contact with one another to provideattachment of the end panel 108 to the headboard 118. The fastenerportions 168-169 are preferably hook and loop fasteners to provide aconsistent closure along the entire width (W panel 2).

At least one other fastening apparatus, such as fastening apparatus 176,are provided at one or more positions along an edge 184 opposite edge183 to allow a user to pull the panel taut across the headboard 118 whenfastening apparatus 166 has been attached to support element 37. Suchfastening apparatus 176 can be thereafter used to secure the end panel108 around support element 35 and maintain the end panel 108 in a tautposition adjacent the support elements 34. In one embodiment, thefastening apparatus 176 includes hook and loop fasteners 177-179 (e.g.,Velcro closures) positioned along edge 184 using a body of material 193that can be wrapped about support element 35.

FIG. 7B shows a back side of a back panel wrap for attaching to a railcover according to the present invention. The short back panel 108 mayinclude a number of ties 115 for coupling to a rail cover. The shortback panel 108 may also include a number of hook and loop fasteners 178and 179.

FIG. 7C shows a front side of a back panel wrap for attaching to railcover according to the present invention. The front side of the shortback panel 108 may face an inside of a crib. The back panel 108 mayinclude a receptor 105 a for coupling to a rail cover. The receptor 105a may be, for example, one half of a zipper or one half of a zipper witha zipper pull. The flap 107 may conceal the receptor 105 a. The backpanel 108 may have a size of approximately 56 inches by approximately 22inches.

FIG. 8 shows an illustration of attaching the end panel 108 to headboard118. For example, as shown therein, closure 177 is in an unattachedconfiguration, whereas closures 178, 179 are in a fastenedconfiguration. Likewise, fastening apparatus 166 along the first end 162of the end panel 108 is shown in a partially fastened configuration.

It will be readily understood that second end panel 106 is substantiallysimilar to that of first end panel 108. In addition, the attachment ofsecond end panel 106 to the footboard 16 is performed in substantiallythe same manner as the attachment of first end panel 108 to headboard 18of crib 10.

Both the side panel 102 and the end panel 108 may be provided withassociated finishing material for functional or decorative purposes(e.g., to prevent the fraying of mesh material of body portion 120, toprovide further padding, etc.). For example, as shown in FIG. 5A,finishing edge material 138 may be used along edges 141-143. Likewise,as shown in FIG. 7A, finishing material 172 may be used along edges181-182. Further, it will be recognized by one skilled in the art thatvarious types of materials may be used along the edges and incombination with various fastening apparatus for attaching the panels tothe crib 10. However, preferably, substantially the entire exposedportions of the panels (e.g., exposed to a child in the crib) are formedof the mesh-type material.

In another embodiment, the crib shield system may comprise a crib linerwith two side panels 106, 108, two end panels 102, 104, and a bottompanel 428, where the side and end panels are attached to the bottompanel, as is shown in further detail in FIGS. 20A-20B.

FIG. 20B shows the crib liner in an unattached laid flat position. Thebottom panel 428 may have substantially the same length and width as acrib mattress. The side panels 106, 108 may have substantially the samelength as the length of the bottom panel 428. The end panels 102, 104may have substantially the same length as the width of the bottom panel428. In this embodiment, the crib liner may be placed directly on top ofthe mattress, and the side and end panels attached to the four sides ofthe crib using fasteners 430, which may be disposed continuously orintermittently along the outer edges of the side and end panels.

As used herein, when reference is made to the panels havingsubstantially the entire exposed portions thereof being formed of themesh-type material, it means that at least two-thirds of the exposedportions are formed thereof. However, in some configurations, less thansubstantially the entire exposed portions may be formed thereof. Forexample, a majority or more of the exposed portions may be formed of themesh-type material.

The panels formed of the mesh-type material may be used in combinationwith one or more layers of other material adjacent to the mesh-typematerial. For example, in one embodiment the body portion of the panelsmay be formed with strips of padded material attached to the mesh-typematerial on one side. The strips of padded material may be disposed suchthat when the panels are attached to a crib, the padded materials lineup with the vertical support elements of the crib and offset themesh-type material from the vertical support elements, thus providingadditional padding. The padded material may be any suitable material,not just the aforementioned mesh-type material.

The breathable materials allow for full air circulation. When a padded,soft breathable mesh material is utilized, further protection isprovided to a child from bodily harm. When using one or more of thebreathable mesh materials described herein, it is preferred thatsubstantially no rebreathing of carbon dioxide occur when a child's faceis in direct contact with the material.

FIG. 14 shows a crib liner according to one embodiment of thedisclosure. A crib frame 402 may include a number of slats 404. A cribliner 410 may be weaved in and out of various slats 404. The crib liner410 may provide cushioning for a child in the crib 402 to prevent injuryfrom impact with the slats 404. The crib liner 410 may also provide abarrier to prevent a child in the crib 402 from extending appendagesthrough the slats 404. The crib liner 410 may include a top portion 410a and a bottom portion 410 b separated by a single layer mesh fabric 410c. The mesh fabric 410 c includes a number of holes allowing circulationof air as described in detail above.

The top portion 410 a and the bottom portion 410 b of the crib liner 410may be similar materials or different materials. In one embodiment, thetop portion 410 a and the bottom portion 410 b may be fabric materialprovided for aesthetic purposes to improve the appearance of the meshfabric 410 c. According to another embodiment, the top portion 410 a andthe bottom portion 410 b may be a cushioning material, such as fabricmaterial filled with padding.

The crib liner 410 may be weaved in and out of each of the slats 404 asshown in FIG. 14 and secured to the slats 404 by a fastener 412. Thefastener 412 may be, for example, a ribbon that is tied around one ofthe slats 404 and tied in a bow. Although only one fastener 412 isillustrated, additional fasteners may be included to provide additionalsupport.

According to one embodiment, the crib liner 410 may be a one-piecebumper wrap design. The crib liner 410, when a one-piece bumper wrapdesign, may be adjusted for different crib sizes by wrapping the liner410 multiple times around the slats 404 to consume a portion of theliner 410 in excess length that the perimeter of the crib 402. Accordingto other embodiments, the crib liner 410 may be a multi-piece bumper.For example, the crib liner 410 may include several lengths of shortermaterial, which may be assembled together to form an appropriate lengthfor the crib 402. Thus, the crib liner 410 may be adapted for use oncribs of different sizes.

Additional detailed illustrations of the crib liner 410 are shown inFIGS. 15A-C. As shown in FIG. 15 the crib liner 410 may be weavedthrough the slats 404 only at corners of the crib 402. Installing thecrib liner 410 by weaving through the slats 404 at corners of the crib402 may decrease the installation time of the crib liner 410 on the crib402.

Further details of the crib liner 410 are described below with referenceto FIGS. 16-20. FIGS. 16A-C shows an illustration of the crib liner 410having crib slat pads according to embodiments of the disclosure. FIG.16A illustrates a view of a crib liner 410 with crib slat pads 420 asseen from the outside of the crib after installation of the crib liner410. The crib slat pads 420 cover at least the portion of the slats 404facing inside the crib 402. The crib slat pads 420 may be made of fabricor other materials.

The crib slat pads 420 may be attached to the slats 404 throughattachment mechanisms such as, for example, sewing, snapping, tying,zipping, Velcroing, buttoning, free form molding, clipping, and/orstrapping the slat pads 420 to the slats 404. According to oneembodiment, the slat pads 420 are separate pieces that are insertedbetween the slats. According to another embodiment, the slat pads 420line the inside of the crib 402 and adhere to the slats 404. FIG. 16Bshows the crib liner 410 with slat pads 420 as viewed from the inside ofthe crib 402. The slat pads 420 may cover substantially all of the slat404 facing inside the crib.

In certain embodiments, such as that of FIG. 16A, the slat pads 420 donot extend the entire circumference of the slat 404 such that a portionof the slat 404 is exposed. According to another embodiment, the slatpads 420 may be installed behind the crib liner 410 as shown in FIG.16C. In this embodiment, the crib liner 410 may be attached to the frontof the slat pads 420.

FIG. 17 shows a two-part bumper system. According to one embodiment, themesh 410 c of the crib liner 410 may be comprised of multiple fabrics ora combination of other materials. For example, the mesh 410 c may bedivided into an upper fabric 410 c 1 and a lower fabric 410 c 2. Thelower fabric 410 c 2 may be selected to be a fabric having higherbreathability than the upper fabric 410 c 1. Thus, additional airflowmay be allowed into the crib 402 at the child's head level.

Other configurations of the crib liner 410 with one or more fabriclayers in the mesh are possible. According to one embodiment, the mesh410 may include two or more cotton or poly-breathable outer layers witha breathable spaces mesh in-between the two or more outer layers.According to another embodiment, the mesh 410 may include two or morecotton or poly-breathable outer layers with a breathable poly foamin-between. According to yet another embodiment, a breathable poly foammay be placed in-between a thin mesh and a spacer mesh. Each of theseconfigurations may comprise the entire liner 410 or may be added to thecrib liner 410 as additional layers. Further, these configurations maybe applied to any of the embodiments described in this disclosure.

FIG. 18 shows the crib liner 410 with top rail attachments 422 accordingto one embodiment of the disclosure. As described above, the crib liner410 may be attached to the crib 402 through various mechanisms.According to one embodiment, straps 422 are attached to the crib liner410 such that the strap 422 may be extended over a rail of the crib 402and attached again to the crib liner 410. The attachment 422 may bestraps, ties, Velcro, buttons, snaps, and/or a zipper.

FIG. 19A shows the crib liner 410 attached to a second crib liner 424.As a child grows the crib liner 410 may become insufficient to protectthe child from the dangers of the slats 404. The second crib liner 424may be attached to the crib liner 410 to extend the height of the cribliner 410. According to one embodiment, the second crib liner 424 may bethe same material as the crib liner 410. However, the second crib liner424 may also be different material than the crib liner 410. For example,the crib liner 410 may be a more breathable material than the secondcrib liner 424 to allow increased airflow to the child in the crib 402when the child is laying down and sleeping. The second crib liner 424may include attachment 422 as described above for attaching the secondcrib liner 424 and the first crib liner 410 to the crib 402.

FIG. 19B shows the crib liner of FIG. 19A having the crib liner 410 andthe second crib liner 424 may include a padded cover 426. The paddedcover 426 may cover a portion of the crib 402 to protect a child fromimpact with the hard surfaces of the crib 402. The cover 426 may includeslits through which the attachments 422 enter and exit the cover 426.The cover 426 may be installed on, for example, a top railing of thecrib 402. However, the cover 426 may also be installed on otherlongitudinal structures of the frame from which the liners 410 and 424may extend.

FIGS. 20A-B show a crib liner 410 with an underneath mattress fabric428. The fabric 428 may be attached to the liner 410 or structurallyintegrated into the crib liner 410. Extending the crib liner 410underneath a mattress with the fabric 428 may prevent the liner 410 fromslipping and prevents a child from extending appendages into otherwiseunprotected spaces. The fabric 428 may be attached to one portion of theliner 410 and then stretched and attached to another portion of theliner 410 to allow the fabric 428 to fit cribs of different sizes. Thefabric 428 may be attached to the liner 410 through fasteners 430including sewing, strapping, tying, Velcroing, snapping, and/or zipping.

FIGS. 12A-B show a crib liner 410 with a receptor 434 for additionalconnecting pieces such as extra panels 436. Through the receptor 434additional components may be affixed to the liner 410 though any of theattachment mechanisms described above. According to one embodiment theadditional components may be, for example, the panels 436.

FIG. 9 shows a general illustrative block diagram embodiment of abreathable apparatus 200 that includes a body portion 210 having one ormore surfaces 212. In one particular embodiment, the body portion 210 isuseable in proximity to the respiratory orifices (e.g., mouth and nose)of a human being 202. Further, in another embodiment, substantially allof the one or more surfaces are formed of the breathable integratedpadded mesh material, a material described herein.

The breathable apparatus 200 shown generally in FIG. 9 may include oneor more various types of objects. For example, as shown in FIG. 10A-10B,the breathable apparatus may take the form of an object used to cover achild or other human being. For example, as shown in FIG. 10A, abreathable blanket 220 including a body portion 222 formed of thebreathable integrated padded mesh material is shown. Likewise, in FIG.10B, a breathable comforter 230 is shown that includes a body portion232 that is formed of the breathable integrated padded mesh material. Itwill be understood that the body portions 222, 232 may be trimmed usingany various finishing materials. For example, trim 224 may be used alongthe edges of the breathable blanket 220, as shown in FIG. 10A, and trim234 may be used to trim the breathable comforter 230 along its edges.Likewise, a breathable material 235 may be used in conjunction with thebreathable integrated padded mesh material, as shown in FIG. 10B, as aback panel. In other words, the breathable integrated padded meshmaterial which forms the body portion may be configured as a singlelayer blanket or comforter formed only of the padded mesh material orthe padded mesh material may be used in combination with one or moreadditional breathable layers as shown in FIG. 10C. For example, theconfigurations described above with reference to the crib shield systemsmay be used (e.g., cotton on one or both sides of the padded meshmaterial). As described above and as shown generally in FIG. 10C, thebreathable integrated padded mesh material may be used in combinationwith one or more other material layers. For example, the breathableintegrated padded mesh material may be used in combination with one ormore layers of other material adjacent to (e.g., one material laid flatagainst the other) either the front substructure and/or backsubstructure of the breathable integrated padded mesh material. In FIG.10C, one or more layers of material 237 may be used adjacent the frontsubstructure of the breathable integrated padded mesh material 238and/or one or more layers of material 239 may be used adjacent the backsubstructure thereof. One skilled in the art will recognize that varioustypes of sizes and shapes may be used, as well as various types ofbreathable materials.

Further, the breathable apparatus 200 may take the form of one or moreother carrying apparatus. For example, as shown in FIG. 11A, abreathable bundle 240 including a body portion 242 is shown for carryinga baby. The body member 242 defines a volume 244 for receiving a child.

As shown in FIG. 11B, a breathable carrier cover 250 includes a bodymember 252 that defines a volume (not shown) in which a carrier isreceived.

FIG. 11C shows an illustrative embodiment of a baby carrier 260. Thebaby carrier 260 includes a body portion 262 formed of at least a partof a breathable integrated padded mesh material according to the presentinvention that defines a volume 264 for receiving a child. As oneskilled in the art will recognize, various attachment mechanisms for usein attaching the carrier to another person are required. However, asubstantial portion of the one or more surfaces forming the carrier 260,particularly those that would exist next to a child's face, arepreferably formed of the breathable integrated padded mesh material.

FIG. 11D shows a car seat cover 270 for a car seat 269 including a bodyportion 272 formed of the breathable integrated padded mesh material.The body portion 272 forms or defines a volume 274 in which a child ispositioned. Once again, preferably, a substantial portion of all thesurfaces of the car seat cover 270 are formed of the breathableintegrated padded mesh material.

As shown in FIG. 11E, a double headrest 280 includes a body portion 282formed of the breathable integrated padded mesh material. The bodyportion 282 defines a volume 284 for receiving, for example, the head ofa child.

FIG. 11F shows a sleep positioner 290 including a body portion 292formed of the breathable integrated padded mesh material. The bodyportion 292 provides a defined volume 294 for receiving a portion of achild's body.

One skilled in the art will recognize that various types of padding maybe used in addition to the breathable integrated padded mesh material inorder to form one or more of the shapes of the objects previouslydescribed herein. Further, for example, such padding materials may bethe breathable integrated padded mesh material itself and/or otherbreathable materials, such as cotton, jersey, flannel, polyester, nylon,rayon, gabardine, terry cloth, etc.

The breathable apparatus 200, shown generally in FIG. 9, may also takethe form of a breathable toy 300, as shown in FIG. 12. The breathabletoy 300, shown in FIG. 12 as a teddy bear, includes a body portion 302formed of the breathable integrated padded mesh material. Further, trimmaterial and various decorative elements 304 will be used to accessorizethe body portion 302 (e.g., padded feet, a nose, eyes, etc.).Preferably, however, a majority of the toy 300 is covered with thebreathable integrated padded mesh material.

Further, preferably, any single portion of trim material 304 of the toy300 (or of any other apparatus described herein that includes thebreathable padded mesh material) is smaller than that which couldpotentially block breathing of a child. Further, preferably,substantially the entire toy (or of any other apparatus described hereinthat includes the breathable padded mesh material) is formed of thebreathable integrated padded mesh material. As used herein, whensubstantially the entire apparatus is formed of the breathableintegrated padded mesh material at least two-thirds of the object isformed thereof. For example, some material may still be used fordecorative or other trimming purposes, including additional padding.However, such material is kept to portions that are smaller than thosewhich may potentially block breathing of a child (e.g., through mouthand nose of a child). Further, the breathable integrated padded meshmaterial may cover less than a substantial portion. For example, thebreathable integrated padded mesh material may cover just a majority ofthe apparatus.

It will be recognized that the toy bear shown in FIG. 12 is but oneillustrative embodiment of a toy that may utilize the breathableintegrated padded mesh material. For example, dolls, or any other animalor stuffed toy, may be created using the breathable integrated paddedmesh material.

Yet further, the breathable apparatus 200 shown generally in FIG. 9 maytake the form of breathable clothing or wearables, as shown in FIG. 13.For example, the breathable clothing 310 may include a body portion 312that defines a volume (not shown) that may receive the body of a humanor doll. Such clothing may be used as outerwear to be worn outside ofother clothing or may be used as an inner layer or a single layer forcovering the body of a human.

Although many of such breathable apparatus may be preferably used withrespect to children (e.g., to prevent suffocation), such breathableapparatus, shown generally in FIG. 9, may also be used at other agelevels. For example, geriatrics may utilize a blanket having thebreathable features described herein or wear breathable clothing, suchas shown generally in FIG. 13.

Further, the breathable integrated padded mesh material may be used withone or more of the following apparatus: Mats such as Play Gym Mats,Activity Mats, Sleeping Mats, Bath Mats, and Bathing Cushions; Activityand Soft Toys such as Hanging Soft Toys, Mobile Soft Toys, Musical SoftToys, Interactive Soft Toys, Bath Soft Toys, Soft Toys with movingpieces, Car Seat Activity Centers, and Soft Dolls; Games such as SoftPuzzles, Soft Cutout Shapes, Soft Books, Cloth Books, and Photo AlbumCovers; Pads such as Mattress Pads, Changing Table Pads, Crib Pads, CribBumper Pads, Cradle Bumper Pads, Porta-Crib Bumper Pads, Play yardCovers and Pads, Sheet Savers, Contour Pads, Lap Burp Pads, and FloorPads; Covers such as Changing Pad Covers, Dressing Table Pad Covers,Bouncer Covers, Swing Covers, Cradle Swing Covers, Seat Covers, Car SeatCovers, Carrier Covers, and Stroller Covers; Pillows such as SupportPillows, Wedges, Sleep Positioners, and Double Headrests; Blankets suchas Comforters, Wearable Blankets, Receiving Blankets, and StrollerBlankets; Bags such as Nursery Organizers, Backpacks, Sleeping Bags,Luggage, Diaper Bags, and Carry Bags; Carriers such as Soft Carriers,Slings, and Bundles; Bedding such as Toddler Bedding, Crib Bedding,Cradle Bedding, Pillow Cases, and Pillow Case and Fitted Sheet in one;and Clothing such as Sports Clothing; Hats; Scarves; Jackets; Vests, andOuterwear.

The preceding described embodiments are illustrative of the practice ofthe invention. It is to be understood, therefore, that other expedientsknown to those skilled in the art or disclosed herein may be employedwithout departing from the invention or the scope of the appendedclaims. For example, various apparatus or steps of one embodimentdescribed herein may be used with one or more other embodimentsdescribed herein to form various combinations of methods, systems, orapparatus contemplated by the present invention. As such, the presentinvention includes within its scope other methods, systems and apparatusfor implementing and using the invention described herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus, comprising: a single layer fabricmesh having a length proportional to the circumference of a crib, thesingle layer fabric mesh allowing air flow through the single layerfabric mesh; a top liner attached to a first long side of the singlefabric layer mesh; and a bottom liner attached to a second long side,opposing the first long side, of the single fabric layer mesh.
 2. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the single layer fabric mesh comprises aprinted pattern.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising afastener for attaching the single layer fabric mesh to the crib.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 3, wherein the fastener comprises at least one straphaving two ends, the two ends attached to the top liner.
 5. Theapparatus of claim 3, wherein the fastener comprises at least one of atie, a Velcro, a button, a snap, and a zipper.
 6. The apparatus of claim3, further comprising a padded rail cover attached to the crib, whereinthe padded rail cover includes at least one opening to allow thefastener to pass through the padded rail cover.
 7. The apparatus ofclaim 6, wherein the padded rail liner comprises breathable material. 8.The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one crib slat padliner attached to at least one of the single layer fabric mesh, the topliner, and the bottom liner.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein thecrib slat pad liner is attached to the single layer fabric mesh suchthat the single layer fabric mesh covers a surface of the crib slat padliner facing an inside of the crib.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the single layer fabric mesh comprises a first portion and asecond portion, the second portion comprising a different material thanthe first.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first portion islocated lower than the second portion when in the crib, the firstportion allowing higher airflow than the second portion.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 1, further comprising an underneath mattress fabric.13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the underneath mattress fabrichas a first side and a second side opposing the first side, the firstside attached to a portion of the bottom liner and the second sideattached to a different portion of the bottom liner.
 14. The apparatusof claim 1, further comprising a fabric material attached to the topliner.
 15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the single layer fabricmesh, the top liner, and the bottom liner comprises a bumper, andwherein the fabric material comprises a crib liner for extending aheight of the bumper.
 16. A method, comprising: weaving a crib bumperbetween slats of a crib; and attaching the crib bumper to the crib witha fastener.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein attaching the cribbumper comprises attaching the crib bumper such that a first portion ofthe crib bumper having a higher air flow than a second portion of thecrib bumper is lower than the second portion.
 18. The method of claim16, further comprising attaching a crib liner to the crib bumper toextend the height of the crib bumper.
 19. The method of claim 16,attaching a crib slat pad to the crib and the crib bumper tosubstantially cover slats of the crib.
 20. The method of claim 16,wherein weaving the crib bumper between slats of the crib comprisesweaving the crib bumper between at least one slat in each corner of thecrib.